The Bowling Kit

Assembling the Bowler's Kit

Intended Audience: All Bowlers

Have you ever been bowling and said to yourself "I wish I had X" where X is anything from a clean towel to an aspirin? Have you ever borrowed tape or a piece of scissors from a fellow bowler to get through a session of bowling? If you have, you're not alone. Almost every bowler finds them self in this situation at one time or another in their bowling lifetime.

It is often better to have something and not need it than to need something and not have it. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. There are dozens of similar cliches that apply to your preparedness as a bowler.

Every bowler should have the basics: a custom-fit bowling ball, ball bag, and bowling shoes. Whether you only bowl once in awhile or you bowl every day, you may want to consider putting together some bowling accessories. The more often you bowl, the more often you will find you need something outside of the basics. The goal of this article is to provide some ideas on what accessories a "Bowler's Kit" might include and where to get those items.

The Case

Some bowling bags come with pouches, zippered compartments, and pockets for accessories. For the once-in-awhile bowler, this is often enough space to carry the needed extras. The more serious-minded bowler who bowls often or is often on the road will want to consider a separate bag or case.

Over the past 35 years, I've seen any number of containers used to hold a bowler's kit: backpacks, tackle boxes, duffel bags, luggage, fanny packs, diaper bags, coat pockets, you name it. Sure, the companies that make bowling bags and other bowling equipment have accessory bags specific to bowling, but you'll usually pay a premium price for the label and they often don't have the room you need.

I've found that camera bags - that is to say, bags specifically designed for photographers - work nicely without the extra cost. They have a large internal compartment and a host of internal and external compartments of various sizes designed for quick but secure (can be zipped/buttoned/etc closed) access. Tackle boxes also seem to work well with all of the different sealed compartments. It is a matter of preference. Whatever you decide, consider something with a shoulder strap, especially if you're a tournament bowler that crosses lanes every game or if you have a long walk from the car into the bowling center. For my readers that have been there, consider the walk through the check-in, squad room, and center isle at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno. Shoulder straps are your friends.

The Oxymoronic "Essential Extras"

Even "once-in-awhile" bowlers should consider taking these items along for a bowling session. They don't take up much room. They don't cost much. They are not hard to find. When you need them and don't have them, it can put a serious damper on your bowling fun.

Towels - The most ubiquitous of bowling accessories. Hand towel and cleaning towel. Even the most careful of us occasionally spills a drink. In a bowling center, a wet floor becomes a health hazard. Wet bowling shoes create sticky approaches that can lead to injury. A cleaning towel can sop up liquid before it drips off the table or after it reaches the floor. Hand towels are used for when hands are sweaty but not so much that a rosin bag is needed. Consider a micro-fiber towel for removing the lane conditioner/oil from your ball. They are more absorbent than a standard cotton-loom towel and can be purchased at just about any convenience store.

Nail Clippers - Bowling with a hangnail on a bowling finger is not fun. Definitely get a pair that has the metal file attached. It can be used to file down rough edges on a bowling ball or insert tape into finger holes in a pinch.

Aspirin, Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen - Other bowlers ask me for this more often than any other item. Ibuprofen is primarily an anti-inflammatory but also acts as an analgesic (painkiller).

Rosin Bag - Unless you are an exceptionally cool cat, your hands will sweat from time to time making it difficult to keep your hand in the ball. A few pats on a rosin bag will help prevent slippage and resulting blisters. Touring bowlers sometimes bowl in houses with no hand dryers on the end of the ball return or with hand dryers that are broken. Rosin helps keep hands dry when it is warm or when hands sweat from nerves. The local sports store will have cheaper models than name-brand bowling products.

Ink Pen - This must be a vital supply considering the number I've had taken from me over the years while at the lanes!

Other Considerations

Lumping supplies into groups targeted towards bowlers by skill level or experience is a poor choice. A better method is to group by interest level. Bowlers who are more fanatical about their bowling will typically have more supplies and be better prepared.

Consider the following list as supplies for the less fanatical ranging to the bowling addict.

Bowling Tape - Sometimes called "insert tape". Fingers shrink and swell as we bowl and based on things like the temperature and relative humidity of the environment. Tape can be placed into finger holes and thumb holes to create a snug fit. It is not a bad idea to have holes slightly larger than necessary so they can be adjusted with tape and the tape can be removed if fingers swell. This is one area where I purchase the name-brand bowling tape because it doesn't leave a sticky residue behind when it is removed from the ball. If you're going to use other kinds of tape, like electrical tape, be sure to also carry Rubbing Alcohol. Today, you can buy all different kinds of bowling tape of different thickness, width, and surface texture.

Scissors - If you're going to use any kind of tape, you're going to want scissors. These double as a tape insert tool and as a tape removal tool.

Rubbing Alcohol (aka Isopropyl) - Can be used for removing tape residue from finger holes and when combined with a little muscle and a towel, is the best thing for removing belt marks from a bowling ball. It is also approved by the USBC for use during competition, just in case you get a nasty belt mark on your ball.

Spare Pair of Clean Socks - Especially for those of you who enjoy wearing sandals all the time.

Shoe Covers - These have an elastic edge and slip over your bowling shoes to protect them from damage, water, gum, food, band-aids, and anything else you will find on the floor of a bowling center. Considering that you can hurt yourself with a bad slide or falling because of something on your bowling shoe, this is a great investment. Remember to take these off before bowling! Most pro-shops carry these. If anyone knows of a non-bowling supply source, such as surgical "booties", which are less expensive, please share.

Supports and Braces - If you have a medical condition that flares up when you bowl, there is no excuse not to have the necessary supporting knee/wrist/arm/back brace you need to prevent injury. I have tendinitis in both arms. It typically only bothers my bowling if I toss more than 20 games in a single day, but I keep a brace in my bag just in case I get tired before then.

Non-bowling Tape - I've had need of this from time to time to fix all sorts of different things such as holes in a bag or to wrap a brace whose Velcro has worn out to hold a broken ball cup together.

Sand Paper - Sand paper can be used in small pieces to smooth a hole or make the hole larger. It can also be used to alter the surface texture of a bowling ball. Sand paper comes in different grits. The larger the number, the smoother or finer the result when sanding. The lower the number, the quicker the change and the rougher the finish.

Slide Sock - Either fitting over your entire slide shoe or just the sole via elastic bands, these soft "socks" allow you to slide on just about anything, including those tacky synthetic approaches in 100% humidity. These tend to only be sold as bowling products so the markup is a little much for what it is. They can be a life saver when you're bowling a tournament at a center in Backwater, Nowhere that hasn't cleaned its approaches in 40 years.

Ball Cups - Hold a ball on a flat surface either just to keep it out of the way or often more importantly, to hold the ball while working on it. Most online pro shops will sell you the same kind found in pro shops for a couple of bucks. You can also use any small plastic/rubber/wood ring that's about four inches in diameter and a half-inch tall.

Scotch Brite Pads / Scrubbing Pads - Most people are familiar with these "green scrubbing pads" as used for cleaning dishes. They can also be used to alter the surface of a bowling ball. They are easier to handle and create less mess than sand paper.

Second Pair of Bowling Shoes - Accidents happen. If someone spills an entire pitcher of beer in your slide shoe (I've seen it happen) it's a great time to have your old pair of bowling shoes on hand to fill in as a sub. You do have an extra pair of clean socks in your kit too, right?

Wire Brush - A small wire brush is perfect for removing things like chewing gum from the slide sole of your bowling shoes. It will also help clean the bottom of your shoes if you're having difficulting sliding. You can get an inexpensive one from the corner store.

Ball Cleaner - If you've gotten this far down on this list, you are probably serious about taking care of your equipment. The cover of Modern reactive equipment is porous (albeit microscopically). When those pores get clogged with lane conditioner and dirt there is a loss in ball reaction. Cleaning your ball directly after each use with a mild de-greaser will help prolong the lifespan of your equipment. Which cleaner to use is often a holy debate among bowlers and probably worth its own blog post. I use a 50/50 mix of Simple Green and Rubbing Alcohol because it does a good job of cleaning, rapidly evaporates, and both ingredients are approved for use during competition by the USBC.

Superglue - When you tear a finger nail, have a finger insert pop out of your ball, separate your shoe from its sole, or rip a bleeding mess of a cut into a bowling finger, Superglue is your friend. Yes, on cuts. Most of this stuff is non-toxic. Have you needed stitches lately? Doctors are using the same sort of super-glue to hold cuts closed with surgical strips instead of using stitches. You can also use it to glue your ink pen to the table so nobody steals it! ;)

Ball Polish - Some cleaners contain polish some polishes are also cleaners. In this situation, I'm referring to anything that makes the surface of the ball smoother. You never know when you're going to walk into a tournament in a bowling center with old wooden lanes where the tournament director has decided only the first 15 feet of the lane needs to be oiled. These are generally purchased from bowling supply stores or pro shops.

Bio-Tape - This sticky, stretchy tape goes on your fingers or thumb. There are a couple of different companies making it now. It helps prevent blisters and rub spots. It is easier to put some of this tape on your thumb (and remove it as needed) than it is to be putting tape in and out of the thumb hole. It is more expensive though. This tape usually comes in different colors to signify different levels of smoothness of the tape.

Sanding Screens - These look like a window screen (the metal screen that keeps bugs out) that has been cut into small pieces. Most places that sell painting supplies also sell sanding screens. They work great for gradually smoothing or opening a finger hole.

Bevel Knife - Many of the online pro-shops carry these and every pro shop will have one. They are used for rounding off the edge of finger holes. It takes some practice to become proficient with one of these. They also make good tools for inserting tape into holes. Some online proshops sell them. Otherwise, as your local pro shop where they purchase their bevel knives.

Bowling Tool Set - These sets usually include a bevel knife, a hole opener, and a tape removal tool. The hole openers are nice in a pinch, but I rarely find myself in need to open a hole more than what can be achieved via a sanding screen (above) or sand paper will allow. Serious tinkering bowlers love these things.
http://www.buddiesproshop.com/product/1379/Hammer_Tool_Set_-_FREE_Black_Widow_Grip_Sack_with_Purchase.htm

Abralon Pads - These are used for altering the surface of the bowling ball and come in different "grits". They're easier to work with than sand paper and come in a wider variety than Scotch Brite pads. Like sand paper, the lower the number the rougher the finish and the higher the number the smoother the finish. You can buy them from most online proshops.

Conclusion

Sometimes, you need more than a ball and a pair of shoes. These items will get you started. As previously stated, I'm a "proof is in the pudding" kind of guy. The longer you bowl, the more items you'll identify as things that are good to have on hand.

Bowl well!